Council
5 November, 2026
Yass Valley council to hold information sessions
Yass Valley Council will hold a number of information sessions across the region next week on its financial challenges and proposed rate increase options.
Yass Valley Council will hold a number of information sessions across the region next week on its financial challenges and proposed rate increase options.
The 90-minutes sessions will be held in Yass, Murrumbateman, Gundaroo, Sutton, Bowning, Binalong and Wee Jasper from Monday, November 9.
One of the sessions – being held at Yass Valley Council Chambers next Wednesday, November 11 between 7.30am and 9am – will be specifically for businesses.
The sessions will provide residents and ratepayers with an opportunity to ask questions and to better understand council's financial constraints and the cost reductions being considered.
Council staff will be on hand to demonstrate how to use the online rates calculator to estimate the potential impact of the three proposed options on individual properties.
Residents can attend any session at a time that suits them during the advertised hours.
Formal presentations will not be made and no bookings are required.
Council CEO Gayleen Burley said the sessions were designed to provide flexible opportunities for people to understand the issues and make informed submissions.
"We know the possibility of paying more in rates is concerning for many households and businesses,” Ms Burley said.
“These sessions are an opportunity to ask questions, understand the options and discuss what they could mean for individual properties.
"More than 500 surveys have already been completed and we're seeing considered feedback about service expectations and community priorities, alongside understandable concerns about the proposed increases.
"This feedback is important as council considers how to balance its financial responsibilities with the services and infrastructure our community needs."
An independent Financial Sustainability Review found that council needs an additional $8.3 million annually to achieve long-term financial sustainability.
Council has implemented cost-saving measures but faces difficult choices about future services, infrastructure investment and potential rate increases.
No decision has been made to increase rates.
Council is seeking feedback on three potential Special Rate Variation options before deciding in December whether to apply to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).
Community engagement will continue until Friday, November 27.
Residents can find drop-in session dates and locations, explore the proposed options, use the rates calculator and complete the survey at: https://yourvoicecounts.yassvalley.nsw.gov.au/srv-engagement-2026
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